Gospel in The West Gospel Song Competition

Gospel in The West Productions - Gospel Song Competition - Songs of Praise

“Songs of Praise” is a gospel song competition which is produced and promoted by Gospel in the West Productions, a gospel events promotion organization located in Big Bridge, Westmoreland, Jamaica.

This gospel song competition is the brainchild of Gillian Larmond-Barrett, Founder and President of Gospel in the West Productions. The vision came about when Gillian Larmond-Barrett who was a Radio Broadcaster realized that there are many talented gospel song writers and singers in Western Jamaica, who lack the resources needed to finance and promote their talents.

The first staging of the event was held in Westmoreland in August 2009. Through an audition process, eight persons were selected to vie in the competition, at an elimination round and finals.

The participants competed for a recording contract to record a single gospel song, which was the main prize; Trophies, cash and other awards.

Tamika Houde of Grange Hill Westmoreland emerged victorious, winning the coveted prizes. Miss Houde has since recorded her first gospel song titled ‘Jesus Is All I Want”. The song has been getting some rotation on radio stations in Jamaica and has been receiving good reviews at youtube.com. She has also been performing at various concerts throughout Westmoreland, thus getting some well deserved exposure.

Second place winner Shauna Spence who resides in Hertford and attends Frome Technical High School and Orlandy Lawson (then 10 years old) of Race Course Grange Hill who was placed third, also received trophy, cash and other prizes. They were also privileged to perform on stage alongside “Goddy Goddy”, Jermaine Edwards and other top Jamaican gospel performers.

The production was outstanding due to the quality talents that were showcased and this view was shared by the hundreds of patrons who attended, especially those who came out to support their favourite participant. With this in mind we have decided to make it an annual event.

The competition was not held in 2010, but talented gospel singers throughout Western Jamaica are eager to showcase their talent by way of this contest and so this year’s (2011) event will be held on the following dates at venues (to be identified) in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland:

Audition: Friday June 17
Elimination Round: Sunday July 24
Semifinals: Sunday July 31
Final: Sunday August 7

This year (2011) we anticipate greater crowd support the event will be staged at a bigger venue and we will be including internationally/nationally recognized music ministers from the Jamaican Gospel Music Fraternity, from the elimination stage to the final.

Managing/Promoting/Producing Gospel Music in Western Jamaica

If you are a gospel music singer in Western Jamaica (Westmoreland, Hanover, St. Elizabeth, St. James and Trelawny) and seeking professional help to manage your musical career, as well as to produce and promote your gospel music ministry, contact Gillian 'LADY MYSTERY' Larmond, Founder and President of Gospel in the West at gospelinthewest@gmail.com or telephone 876-433-9460 for information about how you can move from just dreaming to living.

GOSPEL IN THE WEST:
Gillian Larmond
gospelinthewest@gmail.com
Telephone 876-433-9460

Installation Service for Pastor Alton Stephenson

Pastor Alton Stephenson

The Big Bridge Wesleyan Holiness Church in the parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica hosted an Installation Service on Sunday April 3, 2011 to install Pastor Alton Stephenson (who has been serving the church for the past four weeks) as Pastor for that church.

Pastor Alton Stephenson is a young man who hails from Blackness, Burnt Savannah, Westmoreland. He was born to Delta Tomlin and Charles Stephenson. He is a pass student of Mount Grace Primary and Junior High where he was head boy in his final year (displaying is leadership skills at an early age) and Frome Technical High (2001 - 2004). After leaving High School enrolled at the Caribbean Wesleyan College in Westmoreland where he earned a Diploma in Theology Studies. He is currently pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Theology at the same institution.

Pastor Stephenson being congratulated by his mom Delta Tomlin

Pastor Stephenson who was called by God to serve as a Minister of the Gospel has vowed to carry out his mandate in the Big Bridge and surrounding communities and where ever God leads him to the best of his abilities with the help of God.

Pastor Stephenson being congratulated by his mom's sister

Members of the Wesleyan Holiness District Board of Administration (In Western Jamaica), along with members of the Big Bridge Wesleyan Holiness Church and community members vowed to support the new pastor in his duties and to pray for him continuously that he will continue on the path of righteousness.

Pastor Stephenson being officially welcomed by members of the church after his installation:

Congratulations to Pastor Alton Stephenson from Gillian Larmond and Warren Campbell - Blog Administrators. As residents of Big Bridge, we welcome you to our little community. Be certain we are willing to assist in anyway necessary/possible to make our community a peaceful and loving place where God's people will continue to prosper.

Highway Assembly of God Gospel Explosion

Below are scenes from a Grand Gospel Explosion (Concert), which was held at the Highway Assembly of God in Bay Road, Westmoreland, Jamaica last Friday April 1, 2006.

The event was held in aid of medical assistance for a member of the church.

Ministers Joan Flemming and Claudette Whyte on Stage

It featured two energetic Holy Ghost filled women of God, Ministers/Singers Joan Flemming from St. Catherine and Claudette Whyte from Hanover. Other performers from churches in Westmoreland and neighbouring parish St. Elizabeth supported the cause through their music ministry.

Gillian Larmond and Pastor Marlon Leslie (Emcees)

It was indeed "A GOSPEL EXPLOSION" which was hosted by yours truly - Gillian Larmond and Pastor Marlon Leslie of Citadel of Hope (Savanna-la-Mar and Grange Hill).

Gillian Larmond and Pastor Marlon Leslie (Emcees)

God's people were truly blessed as we praised God together in harmony, while showing our love and support to the recipient of this worthy cause.

Joan Flemming, Gillian Larmond and Claudette Whyte

Joan Flemming and Gillian Larmond

Gillian Larmond (center) with Theus Worshipers Gospel Group from Grange Hill, Westmoreland

God's Love

Written by Warren Campbell

For God so loved the world that he gave His only son (to die for our wretchedness) that whosoever believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Where else will you ever find a greater love than the love of God?

In spite of all the disgraceful and wicked things we have done and said; in spite of our disobedience, He still loves us. He loves us so much that in order to pay the debt for our sins against Him, He gave us the ransom (His only begotten son) and all He asks in return is that we love, trust and obey Him.

The Love of Jesus Christ

Jesus loves us so much that He "laid down His life for us". 1 John 3:16.

Jesus has been at your heart waiting on you to let Him in. He has been there since you first entered this world and has not left. Not even when the rainfalls or when there is a hailstorm. He is there through the hurricane and even the worst of your situations. He is standing right there.

He has been waiting on you with his arms wide open. Waiting like a loving Father, who awaits his child to return from school or a long vacation. No matter how rugged you are; how badly beaten you are, even if it seems like you were being devoured by a wild beast, He will not turn you away.

Jesus will welcome you, wrap you in His heart and comfort you. He will cleanse you, dress your wounds and clothe you in fine linen. He will make sure you are at peace, truly loved, protected, filled with joy and well taken care of.

Where can you find a friend that is willing to be mocked, stripped naked, disgraced, being crowned with a crown of thorns and beaten on the head? Where can you find a friend who is willing to be whipped beyond recognition and ever after being weakened from the loss of much blood is willing to carry the very cross he will be crucified on, to the place where he would die?

Where can you find a friend who is willing to lie down, being nailed to a cross and drink vinegar just for you?

Where can you find a friend who will go through hell or high waters for you, who will give up every single thing he owns just so you can live without guilt of anything?

Yet there is one who has been through it all and He is ever willing to be your friend.

What a LOVE. Even though you are the one who caused Him to be in that situation, He did not wish anything bad for you or wished it on you to be in that terrifying, horrible, painful situation.

Don't you think it is about time you accept him? Don't you feel it is time for you to open the door of your heart to let Him in? Don't you think it is time to run to and wrap yourself into his comforting and loving arms?

What are you afraid of?

Don't wait until it is too late; the time is now!

Don't reject our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, our friend who gave up his life for our redemption.

What a LOVE! What a JOY! Accept Him today!!

Known For Compassion

Today's Our Daily Bread

During Major Gen. Mark Graham’s 2 years as commander of Fort Carson, Colorado, he became known and loved for the way he treated others. One US Army colleague said: “I have never come across another general officer who was so compassionate and so concerned about the well-being of soldiers and their families.” After losing one son to suicide and another who was killed in action, Mark and his wife, Carol, dedicated themselves to helping soldiers and their families cope with service-related stress, depression, and loss.

In the book of Acts, a follower of Christ was well known for his care and concern toward others. His name was Joseph, but in the early church, the apostles called him Barnabas—“son of encouragement.” It was Barnabas who vouched for the newly converted Saul when others doubted the sincerity of his faith (Acts 9:26-27). Later, Barnabas brought Saul from Tarsus to teach the believers in Antioch (11:25-26). And it was Barnabas who wanted to give John Mark a second chance after his failure on a previous missionary journey (15:36-38).

Compassion is an inner feeling resulting in outward action. It should be our daily uniform of service (Col. 3:12). By God’s grace, may we be known for it.

Lord, help us be compassionate
To people in their grief;
Then tell them of the love of Christ,
Who’ll bring their souls relief. —Sper

True compassion is love in action.

The Rich Fool

Luke 12:13-21 (King James Version)

13 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. 14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? 15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

We can be so selfish in our actions that it blinds us to the reality that there are people around us who are in need and are finding it difficult to supply their needs, because of lack of resources and we have the resources wasting rather than helping.

Most of us are just like the rich fool Jesus used as reference in the parable in Luke 12:13-21. He was so self centered that when God blessed him with an abundance of wealth, even though he didn't have enough storage, he still didn't even think to give some to his neighbours who were in need.

May God forgive us all for being selfish and not obeying Jesus' command to love our neighbours as ourselves (Matthew 22:39).

This man made a selfish decision to tear down his small barn and to build a bigger one that would store his wealth for many years. He thought to himself that by doing this he would eat, drink and be merry for many years, but he forgot one thing.

Yes, he forgot to seek God's intervention and guidance in his plans and emulate King David who asked God to order his steps in His words and let not iniquity have dominion over him (Psalm 119:133).

He forgot to listen for God's instructions about how to proceed according to Isaiah 30:21 which says, "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee saying, 'This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand and when ye turn to the left'."

We own and control nothing in life. God grants us the privilege of life and comfort, and so I encourage you to share your blessings with each other, especially those who are needy.

Don't be like the rich fools who store up treasures on earth and not riches towards God. Luke 12:21

Remember my friends to: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path (see Proverbs 3:5-6).

I also must encourage you to live each day as if it is your last. Giving God all the glory, honour and praise. Live according to the will and ways of our Heavenly Father; be faithful and true in all things. Seek the Almighty God in all your plans (this is wisdom) and let God order your steps.

If you fail to do the right thing, your soul will be lost, because we know not the hour of the second advent. In Matthew 24:36 Jesus declares, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the Angels of Heaven, but my Father only."

Becareful that you will not be accused by God, who will say to you as He said to the rich fool according to Luke 12:20, "Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided."

In the end you will lose because you didn't allow God to direct your path and all your earthly treasures will be given to the needy anyways (as God always provides for us all). So let God be your guide and love your neighbours as yourself.

DONT BE A RICH FOOL.

RBC Our Daily Bread - Valid Entry

RBC Ministries READ: John 14:1-10

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” —John 14:6

On a teaching trip outside the US, my wife and I were denied entry into our country of destination because of visa problems. Although we were under the assumption our visas had been correctly issued by the country we planned to visit, they were deemed invalid. Despite the efforts of several government officials, nothing could be done. We weren’t allowed in. We were placed on the next flight back to the States. No amount of intervention could change the fact that we did not have the proper validation for entrance.

That experience with my visa was inconvenient, but it can’t begin to compare with the ultimate entry rejection. I’m speaking of those who will stand before God without valid entry into heaven. What if they were to present the record of their religious efforts and good deeds? That would not be enough. What if they were to call character references? That wouldn’t work. Only one thing can give anyone entry into heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

Christ alone, through His death and resurrection, paid the price for our sins. And only He can give us valid entry into the presence of the Father. Have you put your faith in Jesus? Make sure you have a valid entry into heaven. —Bill Crowder

There aren’t many ways into heaven;
The Bible says there’s only one;
Good works won’t gain anyone entrance;
It’s only through faith in God’s Son. —Sper

Only through Christ can we enter the Father’s presence.

RBC Daily Bread - Talk Low, Talk Slow

I am inclined to share with you, the Daily Bread devotion that is sent to me via email daily. These devotionals have helped me to grow spiritually daily and so I am led to post them here, to help you in your spiritual growth. Look for more periodically. Have a God filled day.

READ: Judges 7:24–8:3

A soft answer turns away wrath. —Proverbs 15:1

John Wayne, famous American actor and film icon, once said, “Talk low, talk slow, and don’t say too much.” His advice is hard for me to follow since I’m a fast talker and I don’t always speak quietly or limit my words. However, this idea of controlling our speech can be a useful tool when dealing with anger. The Bible says we are supposed to be “slow to speak” (James 1:19), and that “a soft answer turns away wrath” (Prov. 15:1).

Gideon gave a soft answer during a verbal scuffle with some fellow Israelites (Judg. 8). Just after his army defeated the Midianites, a group of his countrymen criticized him sharply (v.1). They were miffed because they missed out on the main part of the battle. Gideon did not fling back a rough response. Instead, he reminded them that they had captured and killed the Midianite princes. He also honored the men by asking, “What was I able to do in comparison with you?” Finally, “their anger toward him subsided when he said that” (v.3).

With the Lord’s help, we can defuse heated situations by reining in our words. Responding gently and carefully to angry people can promote unity, for God’s glory. —Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Lord, set a guard upon my lips,
My tongue control today;
Help me evaluate each thought
And watch each word I say. —Hess

Bite your tongue before your tongue bites others.

Prayer For Forgiveness - Psalm 51 (KJV)

1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.